Skittish job numbers reflect US uncertainty

The mysterious ups and downs of the economic recovery. The U.S. Department of Labor reported on Friday that employers added 120,000 nonfarm jobs last month. That's half of what employers added in February.

Some forecasts had called for an increase of 205,000, so the down news was reflected in stocks and other markets.

As usual, interpretations vary, usually to go along with the side the commentators are spinning. Pro-stimulus analysts say the numbers are on track; Obama critics see the lower number as proof the president's policies are not working.

The report douses cold water on what was in many areas a growing warm glow about job growth. However, some economists had already issued cautions about the growth seen in recent months. One economist blamed March's relatively poor showing on good weather in February.

Another economist suggested the reason for the lower number was that people were shifting about from part-time to full-time jobs and so weren't counted as new jobs. However, the Labor Department said employers cut back on part-time employees and work weeks were shortened. That's usually not a good sign, according to several observers. It augers lower spending by consumers, an important part of the economy. Retailers also cut 34,000 jobs.

The disappointing news also had a downside for the president. Mr. Obama had been lifted in the polls by repeated months of bigger employment games. If this uncertainty continues, it will keep employers from hiring. And that would make the news only worse.

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Skittish job numbers reflect US uncertainty

The mysterious ups and downs of the economic recovery. The U.S. Department of Labor reported on Friday that employers added 120,000 nonfarm jobs last month. That's half of what employers added in